腹

A phono-semantic compound:

肉 (flesh) — semantic component, indicates a bodily organ

复 (return; again) — phonetic component, provides the sound and contributes the idea of something inside or layered, reinforcing the concept of an internal body cavity

복부 (腹部) — abdomen

공복 (空腹) — empty stomach

복통 (腹痛) — stomachache

복심 (腹心) — trusted aide; confidant

Across East Asian cultures, the belly is traditionally seen as the seat of emotions and intention, not the brain.

This explains why 腹 often extends from physical meaning to:

- plans

- emotions

- true intentions

Similar metaphors exist in expressions like “show one’s belly” (to reveal one’s true thoughts).